Lake Superior Circle Tour Day 5 - Grand Marais to Thunder Bay

Grand Marais where we spent the night was actually very close to the U.S. Canada border so we expected a short drive to see some of the highlights before hitting the border.  It was a foggy morning and while it would be nice to get some fog images, we were worried we may not see Hollow Rock which is just off the shore.  As luck would have it, Hollow Rock was clearly visible but the second stop Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook was fogged in.  

Hollow Rock

Didn't see the Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook but saw this tableau instead

The last stop before the border was High Falls at Grand Portage.  We were surprised by the power of the water flow and got drenched as the viewing area was very close to the falls. Luckily we all had waterproof wear so it was not too bad.  But our cameras took a beating and the phone had to do the brunt of the work.  

High Falls, Grand Portage, Minnesota

We got held up at the border as we didn't know that the ArriveCan app is required and wifi was very slow in the waiting area.  But it was an opportunity to capture the beautiful landscape in the border area and the first of many birch forests!

Our first stop in Canada was another waterfall, Kakabecka Falls, also very powerful but it didn't get us wet - I guess it depends on which way the wind was blowing.  There was a walkway right above the falls which made it very handy for photos.

Kakabecka Falls

We got to Thunder Bay by mid-afternoon but because we took an ill-advised detour to Mt. McKay with the hopes of getting a panoramic view of the Sleeping Giant, we were behind schedule.  As it turned out, the mountain access was closed and it was a disappointing visit.  We got back into town, had a quick stop to see Lakehead University before heading to Hillcrest Park to get a good view of the Sleeping Giant.  It was very impressive indeed.  Before seeing it, I had thought it was just another flat island but I do feel some sort of spiritual presence when I see it first hand.  

Our last stop was Prince Arthur's landing where we could also see the Sleeping Giant but the aspect was too low to have much impact.  It does have a nice amphitheatre and beautiful marsh which was glowing in the late afternoon sun.  

Amphitheatre at Prince Arthur's Landing

Marsh at Prince Arthur's Landing - we saw some red-breasted mergansers here

Our day ended with a nice dinner at Tomlin, thanks to a recommendation from a local friend.